Mark Adams 3

Thanks to everyone that has contributed to this forum post and especially to those Chairmen, Secretaries and Members of clubs that have taken the time to respond to my emails. The current state is that I will suggest to the committee that we form a Company "Limited by Guarantee" and appoint a board of Directors/Guarantors from either the committee or those wishing to take on the role from current membership. We have a newly appointed "Land Acquisition Manager" with some legal knowledge of contracts and he is making preliminary steps to engage with the Council in confirming their offer as a single point of contact for the Club. Any final decision to go ahead will need to be agreed with the members before engaging a solicitor and proceeding with the purchase. A big thank you again to everyone as this is a big step for a small club and all advice is gratefully received.

Thanks Bucksboy. I might drop them a line. Thanks also for your post Andy. Will do. I'm off this week too...

Thanks John. I will pass on the info, although the section on Purchasing Land is rather basic. Tony has given me a link to a club who own their own site. I will contact them directly.

Thanks for all replies. The BMFA was approached by a club member at the recent Nationals so its second hand info. But the gist was that it wasn’t their remit. Shame, as I would have put them down as the beneficiary in the event of the club folding. The “Company” route would involve setting up company accounts, accountancy fees and annual returns etc. At the moment the club treasurer just has to balance the account each year with no scrutiny. We will be taking legal advice as part of the conveyance process, but I was wondering if anyone else was in a similar situation. Thanks. I’ll let you know how it goes.

My local BMFA registered flying club has been given the option to purchase the land that we fly on from the local council. The price is good and affordable. The council will sell the land anyway even if we decide to stay as tenants and then our future will be less certain. My question is: Do any other BMFA registered clubs "own" their land or do you have to become a trust, company etc for Land Registry purposes? Technically the land would be owned by all of its members and not a single individual. There is also the problem of who owns the land should the Club dwindle and disband. Unfortunately, the BMFA does not wish to offer any advice. Any examples of current ownership would be grateful. Mark